What is Restorative Justice

Restorative Justice is a process for all the parties affected by a crime to collectively seek ways to recover from the resulting trauma.  We believe that Restorative Justice reflects biblical concepts rather than retributive models of justice.

Restorative Justice:

Is a different way of thinking about crime and our response to it.

Focuses on the harm caused by crime - repairing the harm done to victims and reducing future harm by preventing crime.

Requires offenders to take responsibility for their actions and the harm they have caused others.

Seeks redress for victims, recompense by offenders and reintegration of both within the community.

Is achieved through a co-operative effort by communities and governments.

Benefits of Restorative Justice

Restorative Justice improves upon traditional criminal justice approaches by providing the following benefits:

It views criminal acts comprehensively. Rather than defining crime only as lawbreaking, it recognizes that offenders harm victims, communities and even themselves.

It involves more parties. Rather than giving key roles only to government and the offender, it includes victims and communities as well.

It measures success differently. Rather than measuring how much punishment has been inflicted, it measures how much harm has been repaired or prevented.

It recognizes the importance of community involvement and initiative in responding to and reducing crime, rather than leaving the problem of crime to the government alone.

Involvement by Criminal Justice Professionals in Restorative Justice will effectively change the present climate.
 

Restorative Justice Ministry Network of Texas

1229 Avenue J, Suite 360

Huntsville, Texas 77340

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Last modified: 08/18/2008